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From: (no name) (no email)
Date: Sun Dec 14 2003 - 09:15:33 EST
I know that this site is mostly for "world cruising" but I also see a lot of
posts for people in the "islands." I have been working with a great e-mail comp
ression software called Ocens.net / web site www.ocens.com . The compression
software is so good that I can download 20-50 e-mails in less then a min. of
air time. Using a Globalstar phone I can down load in 3 different modes of
wireless.
1. Globalstar Sat. system (9,600 baud)
2. Verizon Digital CDMA cell system
3. Verizon Analog cell system.
In addition I have a Verizon wireless card in my laptop that I can use when
in range of their "high speed" network.
www.ocens.com Also has a great "weather" program that runs on your computer
and you can get an unbelievable amount of US GOVT. weather reports for a "fee."
This fee, is your air time to your wireless carrier, and a "cost per down
load" of what you want. Most of the fees for the weather reports are around . 25
for the down load + air time. Weather faxes come in PERFECT into your
computer, then you "just view" or print on a printer.
I use the same types of "wireless" connections listed above to get the
weather reports.
So, unless you are going out of the "foot print" of the Globalstar system, I
find it very economical to get my e-mails (including "Word" and "Excel" docs).
and also to get any type of weather report.
Please see an e-mail that I posted on another chat room.
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The Globalstar handset which has CDMA cell side to it, uses the Verizon cell
system. One unique part of this system is that you can "force" the handset to
use 800 mz "analog" cell system. In many parts of the US (away from the main
cities) the old "AMPS" analog cell systems are the only ones in the area. The
other issue is that the analog systems have a lot more power then the digital
systems. Offshore I can easily (with a 4 foot cell antenna) get an analog cell
signal 20-30 miles out.
If you take the Globalstar handset into a Verizon company store, they will
"burn" in a cell number for the "cell side" of the Globalstar handset. Get the
best deal that you want to use in their monthly plans, and you will get the
analog part, without them knowing it. If you ask for an analog plan, it will very
expensive and actually hard to get.
The Globalstar satellite rates have really come down in costs. If you are a
heavy user of the need to get e-mails and also to use the phone for business
and personal use you can get the costs down to .17 per min. which includes
Canada / Alaska / USA and the Bahama Islands. This rate also includes Long Distance.
This is on their 3000 min. 499.99 monthly plan. They have less costly plans
which still have a great "per min." cost.
In many cases, Globalstar would be a better bet then having an Iridium
account and a cell account. Add up your "montly costs" of both systems divided by
the min. talked on both systems and you will come up with your "Real" cost per
min. Having only one Globalstar satellite account for all your communications
costs, might be a lot less per min. If you still want to have your Iridium
phone for areas where Globalstar does not have service, get an Iridium "phone
card" chip to put into your Iridium phone. This way you do not pay a monthly rate,
and only pay "for the min. you use". When the min. are used up, you call your
service provider for Iridium and they "dump" additional min. on your card.
The "real" cost per min.(on any plan) is your total monthly costs over a year
divided by the min. that you talked in that year. You will find that a "phone
card" is less costly per min. Because there are many months were you either
"do not use your min. in the month" or "go over you min. in your plan, and pay
a higher per min. cost.
Bob Wilkins
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